Spin The Racket

Join G and Lu as we reflect with Rishi Loungani from Inside Sports Network on the chaos and surprises of the French Open, and get a sneak peek into the upcoming grass season and Wimbledon. From Serena's potential comeback to young stars making their mark and first-time grand slam champions, this episode covers the highs, lows, and what to expect next in the tennis world.

In this episode of Spin The Racket, Gerard and Luis are joined by Amy O’Connell, Executive Director of USTA Atlanta—and head coach of Team Outriders in the INTENNSE pro team tennis league.They break down how USTA Atlanta actually works (leagues, grants, beginner pathways, and what your fees really fund), why Atlanta is such a unique tennis city, and how USTA compares to ALTA for rec players deciding where to compete. Amy also shares what’s next for tennis in Atlanta—plus how INTENNSE is helping fill the “pro tennis” gap and bring a faster, fan-first product to the city.They cover the difference between USTA National vs the Southern Section vs USTA Georgia vs USTA Atlanta, what rec players get wrong about fees and ratings, where court funding and grants really go, and the best entry points for beginners (including Tennis Apprentice and the StillFire League). We also get into red ball tennis, pickleball’s role in the tennis ecosystem, why padel is coming, and what fans should expect from INTENNSE Season 2 with the Outriders.If you’re new to Atlanta tennis—or you’ve been grinding leagues forever—this one’s for you.Follow Spin The Racket for more rec + pro tennis convos, ATL tennis culture, and weekly storylines.

In this episode, G and Lu are joined by Matt Previdi, who discusses the evolving landscape of tennis, emphasizing the importance of community, equipment, and strategy over traditional techniques. Matt shares his journey from a tennis enthusiast to a professional stringer, highlighting the often-overlooked aspects of tennis equipment and the tactical advantages of unconventional plays like the underhand serve. The conversation also delves into the balance between technique and equipment, urging players to rethink their approach to improvement in the sport. In this conversation, Matt Previdi discusses the multifaceted aspects of tennis performance, emphasizing the importance of tennis IQ, mindset, and decision-making over mere technique. He argues that while physicality and equipment play roles, the psychological aspect is crucial for players, especially adults. The discussion also touches on common myths surrounding string tension and the often flawed communication between players, coaches, and stringers. Matt shares his experiences stringing for professional players at Indian Wells, highlighting the unique challenges and insights gained from that environment. Matt emphasizes the value of experimentation with racket weight and string types to enhance performance and prevent injuries. He also highlights the significance of sharing knowledge within the tennis community, particularly for recreational players.

In this episode, Lu and G chat with Annabelle Thomas, a former college tennis star and current rising star within the innovative team tennis league, INTENNSE. Discover her journey from college to professional-style competition, her insights on the league's format, and how this new wave of tennis is shaping the sport's future.

In this engaging conversation, Gerard and Luis meet with Kevin Perkins, founder of DÜS Tennis, as he shares his journey from a young tennis player in the Philippines to a college athlete and eventually a coach. Kevin discusses the challenges of pursuing professional tennis, memorable matches, and his transition into the world of tennis apparel with DÜS Tennis. The brand aims to blend tennis culture with streetwear aesthetics, creating a community-focused identity. Kevin also highlights his involvement in running and how it complements his tennis journey, fostering connections within the community. In this engaging conversation, Kevin shares his insights on the importance of community in sports, particularly in running and tennis. He discusses how camaraderie enhances the experience of challenging activities, the significance of celebrating milestones through fun runs, and the growth of his running club in Atlanta. Kevin also highlights his ambassadorship with On Running, his experiences at the US Open, and the role of mental health in sports. The discussion culminates in a rapid-fire segment where Kevin shares his favorite spots and advice for newcomers to the tennis community.

In this episode of Spin the Racket, hosts Gerard and Lu are joined by Rishi Loungani from Inside Sports Network to preview the Australian Open, the first grand slam of the year. The conversation kicks off with excitement about the tournament, discussing the unpredictable nature of early-season matches and the challenges of watching matches from different time zones. They delve into the rankings of the grand slams, with a lively debate about the Australian Open's place among them. As they analyze the draws, they highlight key players to watch, including Sabalenka, Gauff, Anisimova, Alcaraz, and Sinner, while also discussing the impact of recent changes in commentary teams and the potential for upsets in the tournament.

In this episode, G and Lu are joined by Jake to reflect on the highlights of 2025 in tennis, discussing new formats, the rise of social media influencers, and the impact of injuries on players. They also explore the recent coaching changes, particularly the split between Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero, and share their aspirations for the upcoming year, including players to watch in 2026.

In this episode of Spin The Racket, hosts Gerard and Luis reflect on the Thanksgiving season, discussing gratitude and the end-of-year slowdown in tennis. They explore the challenges of maintaining availability for recreational tennis during the holidays and recap the ATP & WTA finals, highlighting emerging players and their prospects for the future. The conversation shifts to personal offseason plans, focusing on skill improvement and setting goals for the next season. They conclude by discussing player rankings and expectations for 2026, emphasizing the competitive landscape of tennis.

In this episode of Spin The Racket, hosts G and Lu invite Eddie Gonzalez, former director of the Atlanta Open, to share his journey in tennis, the evolution of D1 college tennis, the importance of community tennis organizations, and the unique atmosphere of the Atlanta Open. They explore the challenges of running a tennis tournament, the significance of player relationships, and the future of American men's tennis. Eddie shares insights on innovations in tennis events and his current projects, emphasizing the health benefits of tennis and the need for continued growth in the sport.

In this episode of Spin the Racket, comedian Giulio Gallarotti joins G and Lu to share his insights on tennis, his personal journey in comedy, and the evolving landscape of both sports and entertainment. He discusses his tennis philosophy, the current state of the ATP tour, and the impact of young players like Alcaraz and Sinner. Giulio also reflects on the challenges of maintaining a career in comedy, the importance of consistency, and the balance between talent and hard work. The conversation touches on various topics, including the drama at the US Open, the rise of pickleball, and the dynamics of tennis culture in New York City.

In this episode of Spin The Racket, hosts G and Lu welcome Sarah Christopher as they dive into the intersection of tennis and fashion at the US Open. They discuss their personal experiences with tennis, Sarah's creative career in sports branding, and the cultural significance of fashion in tennis. The conversation transitions into a segment called 'Fit or Fault,' where they critique the fashion choices of top players such as Alcaraz, Sinner, Gauff, Shelton and others at the US Open, highlighting trends, standout outfits, and some underwhelming looks. The hosts emphasize the importance of representation and creativity in sports fashion, while also engaging in light-hearted banter about the players' styles. The episode wraps up with a fun segment on which outfits the hosts would choose for each other, emphasizing the significance of confidence in wearing bold styles.

In this episode of Spin The Racket, Gerard and Lu discuss their recent experience playing USTA tournaments and share personal anecdotes about fitness, training, and the challenges of managing expectations in matches. The episode also features a segment called Courtside Chat, where they answer listener questions about ranking Grand Slams and the best generation of tennis players. The conversation wraps up with a lighthearted hypothetical match-up between the hosts.

In this episode, Gerard and Luis discuss their experiences with tennis and the growing popularity of pickleball. They explore the joy of playing and watching tennis, the challenges of improving skills as adults, and the impact of pickleball on tennis infrastructure. G and Lu emphasize the importance of community engagement and the need for a balanced coexistence between tennis and pickleball.The conversation delves into the pros and cons of standardizing tennis balls across tournaments, highlighting the financial implications and the potential loss of local nuances in the sport.